Vacancies

Press Officer

Location of Role: Maidstone with travel across Kent

Closing Date: 25/06/2026

Starting Salary: £41,856.00

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term / Secondment ending 31st March 2028

Working Pattern: Mon-Fri

Weekend/Evening Working: Occasional

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Kent is seeking an experienced Press Officer to join its Communications Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, by delivering effective and engaging communications that connect with communities, build trust and confidence, and showcase delivery of the Police and Crime Plan priorities: cutting crime, supporting victims and building trust.

As Press Officer, you will lead on media relations for the OPCC, managing enquiries from journalists and developing strong, constructive relationships with local and national media. You will draft press releases and statements on behalf of the PCC, ensuring accurate, timely and impactful coverage across a range of platforms.

Working as part of a small, high-performing team alongside the Communications Officer and External Engagement Officer, you will help deliver the OPCC’s strategic communications plan. You will also support the PCC in his national roles, working with colleagues at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to deliver portfolio updates and national press activity.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will be expected to take a proactive approach, identifying opportunities to promote the work of the OPCC and PCC in a fast-moving environment. You will also work closely with Kent Police’s press office to ensure joined-up communications.

You will bring at least four years’ experience working in a media or journalism environment, with a strong track record of building relationships and delivering results. A recognised journalism qualification (such as NCTJ or equivalent) is essential, alongside strong communication and IT skills, including experience of publishing tools and social media platforms.

You will be highly organised, confident working under pressure, and able to manage competing priorities in a reactive environment. A good understanding of the policing landscape or public sector communications would be beneficial.

The role is primarily based at Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone, with flexible and hybrid working available. You will also travel across Kent to support the PCC at engagements. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo police vetting. This post is politically restricted in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

For an informal discussion, please e-mail: [email protected]

For the full job description please click here.

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